Short-Term Rental Permit

Obtain a Short-Term Rental Permit

A short-term rental (STR) is a single-family dwelling rented for 30 days or less. A property owner typically advertises short-term rental locations on websites like Airbnb and Vrbo. Farmers Branch allows short-term renting, but a short-term rental permit is required to operate such a location. The property must pass an inspection as part of the permitting process.

How to Obtain a Short-Term Rental Permit

  • Email Code Enforcement and request a property inspection. A Code Enforcement Officer will respond to you to schedule an appointment.
    • If your property passes inspection, keep a copy of your passed inspection report. You'll need it later.
    • If your property inspection fails, complete the list of corrections provided by the officer and schedule a new inspection.
  • Farmers Branch STR permits are managed by a third-party vendor called Host Compliance. Visit their website and complete the steps to register your property. During registration, you'll be asked to upload several documents, including the following:
  • We will review your application and supporting documents once we receive your STR permit fee of $120 per year.
    • If we approve your application you will be issued a permit that must be displayed inside the short-term rental home
    • If your permit is denied, the reason for the denial will be explained to you. The most common reason for permit denial is an application missing supporting documents
  • If you have any questions or need assistance with the application process, email Host Compliance directly.

Apply for a short-term rental permit.